Bozeman

Montana Ice / Winter Fishing

Montana Winter Fishing

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Winter Fishing? You bet!
Winter does not mean the end to fly fishing in Montana, and is fast becoming a very popular winter sport among angler-philes, if there is such a word. People that love to fly fish are now finding it enjoyable to fish throughout the winter thanks to advances in gear, clothing and whiskey flasks (just kidding).

Featured Listings: (add your listing)


Anglers West - Excellent Angling Awaits in Winter
With access to numerous spring creeks that never freeze, we can show you incredible fishing all year long. 1/2-day trips out of Bozeman or Livingston.
view site : map : call us (406) 333-4401
George Anderson's Yellowstone Angler
Located just 10 minutes from Paradise Valley's famous spring creeks: year round big trout fun. We can point you to the best spots. Excellent spring fishing right now.
view site : map : call us (406) 222-7130

Winter Fishing Listings: (add your listing)


Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishers - Fish in Winter
Guided fly fishing trips on area spring creeks, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers - 5 mins from Gallatin, 30 minutes from Madison & Yellowstone. Take 18" fish in winter!
view site : map : call us (406) 585-5321

Other Related Listings: (add you listing)


Sweetwater Fly Shop in Livingston, MT
The area's newest retail fly shop and guide service off Hwy 89 enroute to Yellowstone Park. Free advice, updated online river reports and fly/gear specials online.
view site : map : call us (406) 222-9393
YD Flies - Fishing Flies at 20% below wholesale!
Planning your fishing trip to Montana? Order your flies today and we'll have them to you before you go! Excellent quality, 20% below wholesale!
view site : map : call us (970) 927-7089

Rainbow Trout in the middle of Winter
Rainbow Trout in the middle of Winter
© Vertical Media Winter, for the most part, is nymph fishing.  But under the right conditions, dry flies can often yield fun results. Very seldom are fishing trips cancelled because of harsh weather. Even if temperatures dip down to the mid 20's on a sunny day, the only inconvenience is the occasional ice building up on your rod guides. 

If we had to recommend fly patterns to use in the area, they would include San Juan worms (dark red), pink scuds, midge larvae (zebra, pink and tan), small bead pheasant tails (size 18-20) and dead drifting crayfish patterns.

To ensure a fun and safe trip, here are some words of advice before heading out on a winter fishing trip in our area:
1) Check in with a local fly shop to get advice on the best places to go that will be free enough from ice
2) Let someone know where you are likely to be fishing just in case something happens. Falling in an icy river or hypothermia are possible hazzards to avoid. It always helps when others know your whereabouts and anticipated return time.
3) Be aware of weather conditions not just when you start to fish but throughout the day. If conditions deteriorate rapidly and you didn't anticipate them, better to leave early and keep healthy.
4) Park in easily accessible areas not too far off the beaten path. In the event snow is falling while fishing, make sure your vehicle can get itself out of where you parked.
5) Have extra food, water, blankets and clothing with you. In the event you fall in or get stranded for some reason, you can buy yourself time and comfort having these necessities.

If you are a winter outdoor enthusiast, and have never tried fly fishing in the winter, maybe you can give it a try during your next vacation to the Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston or Ennis area. Why not consider a combination skiing , snowmobiling and a fishing experience.

Ice Fishing

Although ice fishing in the Bozeman area is limited, it still has found itself as a popular sport. Areas in town include Glen Lake, at the East Gallatin Recreational area and the Bozeman Ponds located next to the Main Mall.

Hyalite Reservoir is a popular location, although the road to the reservoir is not plowed or maintained during the winter months. Access may be limited to snowmobilers or cross country skiers.

A short ride to Dailey Lake in Livingston or Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone are larger lakes that may provide the avid angler more of a challenge and rewards.

Near Three Forks you can try your luck at the ponds, and Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located 80 miles from Bozeman, near Helena. A day trip to the reservoir will most likely result with perch and trout for dinner!

Due to wind and fluctuations of temperatures, ice may be unstable in some areas. We advise that you use caution as you approach the ice. Motorized vehicles are not recommended for most ponds and lakes.

Fishing License Information

All nonresidents 15 years and older are required to obtain a fishing license. Anyone under 15 years old must be accompanied by a valid licensed adult. If you have lived in Montana for 6 months or longer, you are considered a resident, and may apply for a resident license.

Temporary 2-day fishing permit = $15.00
Temporary 10-day fishing permit = $43.50
Full Season fishing = $60.00
Conservation license (required with all forms of fishing licenses above) - $10.00

For More Information, season and ice conditions, contact:
Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks
1400 South 19th
Bozeman, Montana 59715
(406) 994-4042
www.fwp.mt.gov

Sweetwater Fly Shop - Livingston's Newest - Located at the mouth of the Yellowstone River's Paradise Valley, the Sweetwater Fishing Company was founded by a group of anglers who have made their home in Montana while exploring world's great fishing destinations. If you are going to be in Montana, stop by our fly shop in Livingston.

Additional Web Listings: (upgrade your listing)


320 Guest Ranch Inc
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd Gallatin Gateway, MT  59730-9606
view site : call us (406) 995-4283
Big Trout Ranch LLC
767 E Bench Rd Twin Bridges, MT  59754-9767
view site : call us (406) 684-5995
Milesnick Ranch Inc
412 Bridger View Dr Belgrade, MT  59714-3810
view site : call us (406) 388-6518
Sixty Three Ranch
P.O. BOX 979 Livingston, MT  59047-0979
view site : call us (406) 222-0570
Twin Rivers Ranch
P.O. BOX 1009 Manhattan, MT  59741-1009
view site : call us (406) 284-6485

Phone Only Listings: (upgrade your listing)


Ladder Canyon Ranch
572 Mchessor Creek Rd Twin Bridges, MT  59754-9723
call us (406) 684-5275
Dorothy A Haugland
4911 Biggs Haugland Rd Belgrade, MT  59714-8017
call us (406) 388-4547
Paul Grieco
142 Bennett Dr Bozeman, MT  59715-8060
call us (406) 522-7123
Kevin Boltz
83 Jack Creek Rd Ennis, MT  59729-9018
call us (406) 682-7140
Maichel Ranch
P.O. BOX 154 Harrison, MT  59735-0154
call us (406) 685-3366
Cotant Ranch
P.O. BOX 508 Livingston, MT  59047-0508
call us (406) 222-0042
Lazy Heart Horse & Mule Co
P.O. BOX 45 Livingston, MT  59047-0045
call us (406) 222-7536
Hudecek Ranch
P.O. BOX 131 Springdale, MT  59082-0131
call us (406) 932-6745
Great Divide Land & Cattle
26465 Bridger Canyon Rd Wilsall, MT  59086-9574
call us (406) 578-9830
Mnk Ranch
15959 Rocky Mountain Rd Belgrade, MT  59714-8030
call us (406) 388-6282
Gallatin Madison Ranch Co
17500 Norris Rd Manhattan, MT  59741-8625
call us (406) 282-7507
Parade Rest Guest Ranch Inc
1279 Grayling Creek Rd West Yellowstone, MT  59758
call us (406) 646-7217
Neil Barnosky
615 Ruby River Dr Sheridan, MT  59749-9517
call us (406) 842-5252
Davis Jack & Lorene LLC
11 Barney Creek Rd Livingston, MT  59047-9178
call us (406) 222-2691
Mountain Meadows Guest Ranch
P.O. BOX 160334 Big Sky, MT  59716-0334
call us (406) 995-4997
Lone Mountain Ranch Inc
P.O. BOX 160069 Big Sky, MT  59716-0069
call us (406) 995-4644

Bozeman, MT Weather

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Other pages you might find helpful:


Montana Fishing Report
Get the current West Yellowstone Montana trout fishing report.